I make this Greek grain and roasted chicken salad when I want a hearty, fresh, and balanced meal. It combines tender roasted chicken, wholesome grains, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors into one satisfying bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this salad feels both filling and refreshing at the same time. The grains add texture and substance, while the roasted chicken brings warmth and flavor. I also enjoy how colorful and customizable it is, making it easy to adjust based on what I have available. It works perfectly for meal prep or a nourishing lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- cooked grains (such as quinoa, farro, or brown rice)
- roasted chicken (sliced or shredded)
- cherry tomatoes
- cucumber (chopped)
- red onion (thinly sliced)
- kalamata olives
- feta cheese
- olive oil
- lemon juice
- garlic cloves (minced)
- salt
- black pepper
- dried oregano
- fresh parsley (chopped)
Directions
I start by preparing the grains if they’re not already cooked, letting them cool slightly.
I season and roast the chicken in the oven at 200°C (400°F) until fully cooked, then slice or shred it.
In a large bowl, I combine the grains, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives.
I add the roasted chicken and crumble feta cheese over the top.
In a small bowl, I whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, black pepper, and oregano to create a simple dressing.
I pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently until well combined.
I finish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and timing
I usually get about 4 servings from this recipe.
Prep time takes around 15 minutes (longer if cooking grains and chicken).
Cooking time is about 25–30 minutes.
Total time comes to roughly 40–45 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes add roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor. When I want a vegetarian version, I replace the chicken with chickpeas. I also like adding a spoon of yogurt-based dressing for extra creaminess.
storage/reheating
I store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I prefer keeping the dressing separate if I’m making it ahead to maintain freshness. I can enjoy it cold or slightly warmed.
FAQs
What grains work best?
I like using quinoa, farro, or brown rice, but many grains work well.
Can I use leftover chicken?
I often use leftover roasted or grilled chicken to save time.
Is this salad served warm or cold?
I enjoy it both ways, depending on my preference.
Can I make it ahead of time?
I prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge, adding dressing before serving.
Can I make this dairy-free?
I skip the feta or use a dairy-free alternative.
Conclusion
I find this Greek grain and roasted chicken salad to be a perfect mix of hearty and fresh. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and works well for both everyday meals and meal prep.
PrintGreek Grain + Roasted Chicken Salad
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A hearty and refreshing Mediterranean-inspired salad with tender roasted chicken, wholesome grains, and vibrant vegetables tossed in a simple lemon dressing.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked grains (quinoa, farro, or brown rice)
- 2 cups roasted chicken (sliced or shredded)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cucumber (chopped)
- 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare grains if needed and let them cool slightly.
- Season and roast chicken at 200°C (400°F) for 25–30 minutes until cooked through, then slice or shred.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked grains, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives.
- Add roasted chicken and crumble feta cheese on top.
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, black pepper, and oregano.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken to save time.
- Keep dressing separate if making ahead.
- Add roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Replace chicken with chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Add yogurt-based dressing for extra creaminess.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Can be served cold or slightly warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
